A Delicious and Authentic Mala Tang Experience at Jo's Yabo in Hongdae


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A vivid review of my visit to Jo's Yabo Mala Xiaoban Mala Tang Hongdae Branch to try Hongdae Mala Tang!
Restaurant Name: Jo's Yabo Mala Xiaoban Mala Tang Hongdae Branch
Address: 2nd Floor, 36 Hongik-ro 3-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Hello!
Walking through the streets of Hongdae, you'll notice countless restaurants.
Among them, one place that particularly caught my eye was Jo's Yabo Mala Xiaoban Mala Tang Hongdae Branch.
It's known as a popular Hongdae Mala Tang spot, so I was excited to go in.
As soon as I stepped into the restaurant, I noticed how clean it was! The tables were spaced nicely apart, and I could see the cooking process happening in the kitchen, which made me trust the place even more. Plus, there were both foreign and Korean customers enjoying their meals. I immediately thought, “Ah, this place must be a real local favorite.”
I ordered the basics: Mala Tang and Guo Bao Rou (sweet and sour pork).
First, the Mala Tang! As soon as I took a spoonful, the aroma exploded in my mouth.
I understood why people recommend this place when talking about Hongdae Mala Tang.
The broth was numbing yet refreshing, and it was full of fresh ingredients, making it fun to eat. The option to choose duck as a topping was a unique and welcome addition.
And of course, I couldn’t miss the Guo Bao Rou!
When I took a bite, I experienced the perfect combination of crispiness and chewy texture.
The sweet and slightly tangy sauce paired perfectly with it.
The alternating flavors with the numbing Mala Tang made for a very appealing combination.
One of the best things about this Hongdae Mala Tang restaurant is the wide range of options available.
You can adjust the spice level from 1 to 5, so even those who can't handle spicy food can enjoy it without any worries.
I went with a medium level, and it was just right, with a slight sweat and a flavor that really hit the spot.
When I was leaving after my meal, I noticed that there were quite a few groups of people, as well as individuals enjoying their food alone.
I realized that there's a good reason why so many people visit this place when they think of Hongdae Mala Tang.
Next time, I want to try other dishes like Mala Ban or Roujiamo at this great Hongdae Mala Tang restaurant!
















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